Life is returning to normal. Restaurants and stores are open, people can gather again and meetings have returned to in-person events. In addition, we at Aging Matters are starting our Medicare Matters Workshops and other events.
Medicare Matters Workshops are in person meetings where we go over all the parts of Medicare from A to D. We discuss when you need to enroll, when you do not need to enroll and penalties if you get the timing wrong. We also discuss the cost for the different parts of Medicare, what Medicare does and does not cover and how Medicare works with other insurance. Finally, we go through the extra help programs that can help pay for Medicare if you meet the eligibility guidelines.
We will hold these Medicare Matters Workshops throughout the 18 counties we serve. If you would like more information, please call 1-800-392-8771 to find out here we will be and to reserve your spot. Aging Matters also does one on one Medicare counseling if that is preferred, please call for an appointment. Our offices are open for clients by appointment only at this time.
As we return to normal, we hope to have other events such as our Scamboree and Grand-parenting conferences. Scamborees are programs held in conjunction with the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Missouri SMPs mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse. At the Scamboree’s we discuss different scams that seniors in our area have reported to us and ways fraudsters try to take advantage of seniors, we offer tips and ways to protect yourself. Our Grand-parenting Conferences are aimed at grandparents who are raising their grandchildren; there is useful advice on legal protections, ways to relieve stress and other helpful tips.
Aging Matters is still assisting seniors to sign up for the COVID vaccine, if you need help getting the vaccine please call 573-335-2482. We can help schedule the appointment and if you need transportation, we can assist with that. If you are homebound and cannot get out to get your COVID vaccine, we can help arrange for you to get the COVID vaccine at your home.
Life is slowly getting back to a type of normal for most of us. Between the vaccine and facemasks, many people feel they are able to meet in person and go out more than they have in the past year. This is exciting and I am so glad that we can begin reaching out to people and helping them in ways we have before. If you would like more information about any of the services provided by Aging Matters, please call 1-800-392-8771. Because, Aging Matters.
Age Spots - The Vaccine is Finally Here
I’m so tired of wearing a mask and staying away from people who do not live in my household. Virtual meetings are great but I miss seeing work partners and going out to eat at a restaurant. I miss my life before COVID. I’m sure I am not the only one. There is a light at the end of the COVID tunnel; there are now several vaccines available.
Aging Matters and the other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Missouri have partnered with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to assist seniors with their online vaccination registration. Aging Matters will help seniors to register for the vaccine appointments; help arrange round trip transportation for those in need and make reminder calls when their second dose of the vaccine is available. “Navigating the web and registering online can be a challenge for seniors, so we’re working closely with the AAAs to provide hands-on assistance with the process and make sure that folks have safe transportation to their appointments, “ said Jessica Bax, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services. “This partnership with the AAAs will ensure all Missouri seniors are able to access their vaccine.”
As we begin the process of helping, people register for the vaccine I know there are several questions that people have about the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. The COVID 19 vaccine still had to undergo an approval process, which is verified by an independent committee of health experts.
At this time, you need to take both doses of the vaccine unless you have a reaction to the first dose.
If you had COVID, you still need to get the vaccine.
The current vaccines do NOT contain the live virus, so you cannot get COVID from them.
You should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it, keep this card and do not post it on social media!
If you have an allergic reaction, report it ASAP!
I am so excited to help seniors in my area register to get the vaccine, the sooner we all get vaccinated the sooner we can return to a more normal life. Until then please remain safe. Wear your mask in public, socially distance from others and take the precautions needed to stay safe, 2021 is looking up.
All Missourians age 65 and older are currently eligible for vaccination. Additionally, those with certain high-risk health factors are also eligible now. More information is available at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors or call Aging Matters 573-335-2482.
A program designed to assist older Missourians with accessing COVID-19 vaccine launched today. In partnership with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) will assist seniors with online vaccination registration, coordinate round trip transportation to and from their vaccination appointments, and conduct reminder calls for seniors’ second doses.
“Navigating the web and registering online can be a challenge for seniors, so we’re working closely with the AAAs to provide hands-on assistance with the process and make sure that folks have safe transportation to their appointments, “ said Jessica Bax, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services. “This partnership with the AAAs will ensure all Missouri seniors are able to access their vaccine.”
Seniors age 60 and older can seek assistance with the vaccination registration process by calling their local AAA, Aging Matters 573-335-2482.
“AAAs are a trusted resource, rooted in every community across the State of Missouri,” said Ann McGruder, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “They are dedicated to serving seniors and meeting all their needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAAs will play a vital role as DHSS works to ensure that every older Missourian has access to a COVID-19 vaccine.”
All Missourians age 65 and older are currently eligible for vaccination. Additionally, those with certain high-risk health factors are also eligible now. More information is available at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors.
Medicare on my Mind
Medicare Prescription drug plan open enrollment will soon be upon us. October 15-December 7 is the time to join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan if you have never enrolled previously. Beneficiaries may also switch their drug plan, or switch between a drug plan and an Advantage plan. Any changes made during this time will take effect on January 1, 2021. Medicare prescription drug plans cover only prescription medicine. Medicare Advantage plans are managed care programs that cover Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and usually Medicare Part D. Advantage plans can offer benefits that original Medicare does not.
It is recommended that all Medicare beneficiaries look at what is available during open enrollment even if the plan you have was great this year. Many things can change with a prescription drug plan including the monthly premium and the deductible. The plans can also change what medicines they cover, what tier the medicines are on and the co-pays for each medication.
Because of COVID-19, our office will have some procedures in place to limit the possible exposure to our staff and our clients. We have a mandatory mask policy. If you enter our office, we require you to wear a mask. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be available if needed. The staff will also be wearing masks and we will be cleaning doors, chairs and all surface areas between clients. We will only be working by appointment; we are unable to take walk-ins at this time. When you arrive for your appointment you will be screened and your temperature taken by staff. You will be given a pager and asked to wait in your car until your counselor is available. When we are finished, with a client we will clean the room and then activate the pager you were given and you will be let in the office. I know this sounds a little extreme but we take the safety of our clients and staff very seriously.
We can do most Medicare Part D appointments by phone. If you are in our area but not the Cape Girardeau area or if you feel more comfortable not getting out, we can schedule a phone appointment. We handle phone appointments the same as an in-person appointment; you will need to have your Medicare card and a list of your medicines. We will enter the information into the Medicare.gov system and let you know what plans cover your medicine at the best cost for you. We will do our best to assist in any way possible.
When you are reviewing your coverage for 2021, it is also a great time to check to see if you are eligible for any of the Extra Help programs. For those who meet the income and asset guidelines there is help to pay the Medicare Part D premiums and assist with co-pays for medicine, for a single person the income guideline is $1,615 monthly with an asset limit of $14,610. A married couple can have income of $2,175 and assets of $29,160. Programs are also available that can help pay the Medicare Part B premium. Please ask us about savings programs when we look at your Part D for next year.
To make an appointment for Medicare Part D or for more information call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771.
Scammology 101
My niece Haley recently left for college. Such an amazing time for kids. So many changes, so much learning to do. We can all use this time to educate ourselves about more scams that are circulating in our area. No matter what happens, the scammers have a way to take advantage of it.
One common scam is very simple; you get a call from your bank or Social Security or even the IRS. They tell you your information has been hacked and you need to give them your information to secure your account. Any information you give is then used to empty your account or steal your identity. Social Security, Medicare and the IRS do not call you to let you know your information is at risk. Never give out information to someone that calls you. Remember that even if your caller id says “Medicare” that can be spoofed and may not be the correct information, either the name or the number.
There are even swindles about the Coronavirus. There are no home testing kits or home remedies for the Coronavirus. If someone is offering this, it is a scam and could not only cost you money but could hurt your health. Do not take home remedies or cures. If you have questions about COVID, Missouri has a toll free number 877-435-8411 that you can call for correct information.
If you do become a victim of a scammer there are things you can do to mitigate the damage. If you believe, they have access to bank accounts, contact your bank. They will help you change your account and guide you on your next steps. If it is credit card information, contact your credit card company to cancel the card.
Report any scams to your local police. Many of the scams are conducted out of the US but you may need a record of the report for your bank or the credit card company. In addition, you can report phone and other scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-382-4357, report Social Security imposters online to SSA’s Inspector General or call 1-800-269-0271 to report by phone. Report IRS imposters to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), call TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.
By reporting the fraud, you are helping them compile more information about the scammers and the tactics they use.
As kids go back to school and begin a new year of learning we all, need to be vigilant and continue our own learning. If you have questions or think you have been a victim of a scam, you can call Aging Matters 800-392-8771.
